Korea Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Korea's labor force participation was 64.35% in 2025, ranked 69th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Korea's labor force participation stood at 64.35% in 2025, a decline of +0.11pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.17% by 2026. Korea ranked 69th globally.
South Korea’s labor force participation rate has risen steadily over the 36‑year span from 59.38 % in 1990 to 64.35 % in 2025, placing the country 69th in the world. The all‑time peak of 64.47 % was recorded in 2024, just marginally above the latest figure, while the 1990 trough of 59.38 % marks the low point of the series. This upward trajectory mirrors modest gains in comparable economies; for example, Canada posted a participation rate of 64.52 % and Ecuador 64.50 % in the same period, both ranking closely to South Korea’s position. The persistence of a rising participation rate reflects demographic shifts, higher female labor market attachment, and policy measures aimed at extending working lives. Continued improvements are likely if reforms that promote flexible work arrangements and address ageing‑related labor shortages are sustained, potentially nudging the rate beyond the recent peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.02% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 65.59% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.17% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.35% | −0.11pp | #69 |
| 2024 | 64.47% | +0.20pp | #70 |
| 2023 | 64.27% | +0.47pp | #74 |
| 2022 | 63.79% | +1.24pp | #72 |
| 2021 | 62.55% | +0.28pp | #77 |
| 2020 | 62.27% | −0.72pp | #75 |
| 2019 | 62.99% | +0.24pp | #80 |
| 2018 | 62.76% | −0.15pp | #78 |
| 2017 | 62.91% | +0.28pp | #76 |
| 2016 | 62.63% | +0.05pp | #78 |
| 2015 | 62.58% | +0.30pp | #81 |
| 2014 | 62.28% | +0.88pp | #83 |
| 2013 | 61.40% | +0.47pp | #93 |
| 2012 | 60.93% | +0.29pp | #95 |
| 2011 | 60.64% | +0.30pp | #96 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's labor force participation was 64.35% in 2025. Ranked 69th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Korea's labor force participation peaked at 64.47% in 2024.
The lowest labor force participation in Korea was 59.38% in 1990.
Korea ranks 69th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's labor force participation is projected to reach 65.17% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Korea in 2025 was 64.35%. This ranks 69th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_labor-force-participation,
title = {Korea Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}